Widget Synchronization Preferences for Automatic Device Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods for electronic devices are inefficient and tedious, particularly for media players, as they often require manual initiation and are slow due to reliance on filenames and modification dates, and do not account for multiple device types and various data types.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing data synchronization between host and client devices, including graphical user interfaces for configuring synchronization preferences, enabling/disabling synchronization, and prioritizing data transfer based on device capabilities and user settings, with automatic initiation upon connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual synchronization is used for media players, then user control over individual media assets is achieved, but synchronization becomes tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically initiates synchronization when a bus connection connects the music player to the host computer, eliminating the need for manual user initiation. The synchronization process self-manages by automatically determining which media assets need to be transferred based on connection detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares synchronization by pre-establishing connection detection mechanisms and synchronization protocols before actual data transfer begins. When connection is detected, the synchronization process is already primed to execute automatically without requiring user intervention
2Productivity
If conventional synchronization methods are used, then file transfer between devices is achieved, but the process is slow due to reliance on filenames and modification dates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the synchronization parameters by moving beyond traditional filename and modification date comparisons. It implements a more efficient parameter-based synchronization method that quickly determines which media assets need transfer, reducing the time required for synchronization decisions
3Extent of automation
If automatic synchronization is implemented upon connection, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases to handle multiple device types and data types
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is designed to handle multiple device types (music players, PDAs, mobile phones) and various data types (media assets, contacts, calendar events) through a universal synchronization framework. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to automatically synchronize different types of data across different device types without requiring separate specialized systems
Data Source
AI summary
Improved techniques and apparatus for managing data between a host device (e.g., host computer) and a client device. The data being managed can, for example, pertain to portable computer programs, such as widgets. The managing of the data thus can involve transfer of portable computer programs (e.g., widgets) between the host device and the client device. In one embodiment, the transfer of portable computer programs between a host device and a client device can be referred to as synchronization.